Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Sarcastic Squad presents And I’m Proud To BJ An American

And I’m Proud To BJ An American: A Tribute to Oral Sex & The American Way. Monday July 2nd, 8pm, Town Hall Pub 3340 N Halsted. $5 admission.

Flier courtesy John Scalise

Hosted by oral sexpert Adam Guerino and featuring The Blowjob, An Oral History from historian Dana Norris, True Facts about oral sex from Second Hand News with Mark Nabong and Patrick Gill, The Dyketionary: Oral Edition by Casey Larwood, “Blowjoy” an original song about blowjobs from Manny Capozzi and stand-up that goes down from Megan Gailey and Bradley Thomas.

Admittedly, we seem to be weighing heavily on celebrating the blowjob more so than the country but we don’t see the two as mutually exclusive.

And I’m Proud To BJ An American: A Tribute to Oral Sex & The American Way. Monday July 2nd, 8pm, Town Hall Pub 3340 N Halsted. $5 admission.

Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies: Season 2: The Champions

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Queer Comedy Contest at Zanie’s: The Champions!

Reigning champions of the October 2011 Queer Comedy Contest at Zanies return for another bout of comedic jousting this Tuesday, May 22nd at 7:30 p.m. Last fall, three hilarious local stand ups beat out some seriously funny competition in the first ever Queer Comedy Contest, produced through OutLoud Chicago.

Dedicated to finding safe spaces for queer stories, storytellers and audiences, OutLoud Chicago continues their exciting tradition by bringing the original winners, Caitlin Bergh, Joel Kim Booster, and Homer Marrs, to face off against a new trio of queer hilarity. The new challengers include Rhea Butcher, Archer Coe, and the Puterbaugh Sisters.

Let’s meet the champions! First up: Homer Marrs!

A returning champ, Homer Marrs is a Chicago writer, musician, and comedian. His critically acclaimed humorous lifestyle column, Marrs Attacks, is written for Nightspots, and it comprises one of many credits to Mr. Marrs’ name. He has written for Film.com, American Theatre, Time Out Chicago, Las Vegas Magazine, QVegas and others. A beloved local queer comic, Homer will be a delight to watch battle for the title of undefeatable champion. Recently featured at Word Is Out a spoken word night between OutLoud Chicago and (http://www.inourwordsblog.com ) at Town Hall Pub, Marrs presented a short story set in an American Girl Place, featuring a relationship between an IML (International Mr. Leather) loving couple. The audience’s reaction to Homer’s ridiculous and surprising tale of unlikely characters shopping for high end dolls illustrates his deceptive ability to keep an audience on its toes while completely entertained. Check out Homer’s comedy here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYtr3bxCvzs. Homer gave us the scoop about how and why he decided to become a very tall and hilarious man.

When did you first get involved in comedy?

Sophomore year of college, when I joined the school’s improv group.
Who are your favorite comics and why?

As un-hip as this might be, my first favorite comic was Rita Rudner. I remember seeing her Comedy Central specials in the early 90s and being so impressed with this naive but obviously hyper-intelligent persona she had created for herself. I don’t think any of that has rubbed off on me. But in real life I am terribly naive.
How would you describe your stand up?

Genuinely tall.
What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest at Zanies?
There is too much love and acceptance in the gay community. We are at a point where we’re mainstream enough that we can openly fight with each other and not threaten the fabric of our fine social quilt. It’s high time the world learned that gay people aren’t all rainbows and rainbow flags. And I wanna punch that Caitlin Kim Coe Booster Sister in the face!

And in this corner: Caitlin Bergh!

A comic like Caitlin Bergh can be seen all over Chicago, slinging her jokes and taking names, but Tuesday night’s competition will really put her skills to the test. Fortunately, Caitlin brings a healthy dose of queer lady comic game. She hosts The Funny Story Show every 3rd Friday of the month at LooseLeaf Lounge, and recent highlights include performing at the Electroshock Therapy Comedy Hour at Therapy Lounge in NYC (TimeOut NY Critic’s Pick), winning the Moth StorySLAM in Chicago, and performing at Cameron Esposito’s Side Mullet Nation at The Comedy Bar (TimeOut Chicago Critic’s Pick). Check out Caitlin’s stand up here http://youtu.be/k0WSjUu_FdM. Below, Caitlin speaks to her love of comedy and where she got her start.

How did you get involved in comedy?
I first got involved in comedy over a year ago. I was the coordinator of speakers for Parents Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG Chicago –an awesome organization) and the parents requested Cameron Esposito. She came to a meeting, and when I saw her do stand-up, it destroyed my preconceived notions of comedy as a thing where mean dudes make fun of the audience. I saw it for the first time as smart, creative, and super powerful in terms of connecting to and communicating with large groups of people. It also looked ridiculously fun. I knew immediately that it was what I wanted to do.

What sets your comedic style apart?

I would describe my stand-up as smart (hopefully), quirky (definitely) and super honest (I can’t help it).

What comics both local and national have influenced your comedic style?
I am a huge fan of Maria Bamford and Kristen Schaal. Bamford is just delightfully herself, and Schaal throws you off with her apparent sweetness. For inspiring me to get started and encouraging me to keep going, I’ll always be a fan of Cameron Esposito. I also really admire Ever Mainard for her unrivaled brassiness & use of physical comedy in her jokes, the Puterbaughs because they make me feel like I’m at a super fun party, Candy Lawrence for her hilarious pop-culture anachronisms, and Lisa Laureta for her witty & wacky social commentary. There are so many Chicago lady-comics who I admire, I could go on for days.

What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest at Zanies?
I had a great time in the first Queer Comedy Contest so I was excited to participate again. I admire all of the artists who are performing so much that I really do feel like we are all winners before we even get started (right? right? can we all be winners?). I am grateful to be surrounded by such a talented, supportive, and super creative comedy scene–both queer and not. Let’s have fun!

And the reigning champion, the season 1 first place winner, Joel Kim Booster!

Like Homer and Caitlin, Joel Kim Booster, brings a wide array of talents to Tuesday’s rematch. Not only an up and coming stand-up comic, Joel Kim Booster is also a company member of The New Colony ( http://thenewcolony.org/ ) theatre company. Featured in New Colony’s remount of FRAT as well as Mash Flob, Joel’s theater background might make you think he was more of a character comedian, but his stand-up’s authenticity and sardonic honesty won him the first place of the former Queer Comedy at Zanies. Check out Joel’s comedy here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbK_Zz_MLP0.

How did you get involved in comedy?

I started doing stand-up at an after hours event at the theatre I work for back in August. It was kind of an anything goes open mic sort of deal, and it was mostly other actors and such, so I thought it would be a safe environment to give it a try.

What sets your comedic style apart?

There about a thousand funny female comedians in this town that I admire and look up to– Caitlin Bergh, Ever Mainard, Mollie Merkel, Megan Galley… The list goes on. Lady comedians are way nicer to me at open mics than the dudes are, so I will mention no one with a penis in this answer.

What comics both local and national have influenced your comedic style?

Sweet, sour and an hour later you’ll be hungry for more. (OH, BROTHER).

What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest at Zanies?

Chicago’s got a bunch of real kickass queer comedians, and I feel real fuckin’ lucky to be counted among them. Getting to the share the stage with these people is the best.

For tickets, go to http://www.chicago.zanies.com/news.php?NewsSection=Queer+Comedy. $10 in advance, and $15 at the door with a 2 item minimum. The show starts at 7:30 at Zanies, 1548 N Wells. Street parking available. Don’t miss it!

Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies: Season 2: The Challengers

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Last season, out of ten competitors, only three survived/placed at the Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies. On May 22nd, the 3 champions have to defend their honor against three new challengers. Former winners Joel Kim Booster, Caitlin Bergh and Homer Marrs enter into mortal combat with each other and new contenders Archer Coe, Rhea Butcher and The Puterbaugh Sisterz.

Let’s meet the challengers! First up, Rhea Butcher!

When did you first get involved in comedy?

My mom used to regularly rent the comedy special “Women of the Night” from my local video store, Roadrunner Video, when I was about 6. We would also watch “Stand Up Spotlight” pretty every week. As for doing stand up, I started actually doing it in August of 2011 at Cole’s open mic.

Who are your favorite comics and why?

My favorite comic is Paul F. Tompkins. His comedy is smart, insightful and just the right amount of self deprecating. He also pulls off being pompous in such a sincere way.

How would you describe your stand up?

A mix of stories and jokes; I talk about how fun and weird it is to be a boy/girl in a world that doesn’t really want you to be both.

What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest at Zanies?

I wanted to push myself to the next level with my comedy and the contest is a perfect next step with Zanies being one of the top comedy clubs in Chicago.

And in this corner, Archer Coe!

How did you get involved in comedy?

Got involved in comedy when I was an altar boy and would crack the priest up in the middle of mass. Altar boy was the only job I’ve been fired from.

Who are your favorite performers and why?

Adam Guerino is my favorite comic because he is so funny and has gotten all of my good bookings so far.

How would you describe your comedy?

I would describe my stand up like awkward love making while your grandparents watch and critique your every move.

What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest?

Just cuz!

What’s this? Another challenger enters the ring… and they’re sisters! Behold, The Puterbaugh Sisterz!

How did you get involved in comedy?

All my life in Chicago 4 years ago.

Who are your favorite performers and why?

My sister cuz were in an act together. I also admire anyone doing there own thing. Being original and innovative while holding true to what they thinks funny.

How would you describe your comedy?

Experimental ridiculousness. Its like watching sister act two with two lauren hills.

What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest?

I like being involved in comedy that contributes to the gay lesbian and transgender community. I also like performing for that demographic of a crowd they tend to think our sister comedy is funnier than if we were to perform on a bro-case for lots of bros.

For more info on Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies, follow this link.

Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies: Headliner Brad Loekle

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For the first profile of our Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies, we’re featuring our celebrity judge and headliner: Brad Loekle!

Brad Loekle appears every Thursday on the highest rated show on TruTv, “World’s Dumbest.” He’s appeared on VH1, MTV, Oxygen, Logo and Here!.TV. He appears regularly on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s “Morning Jolt,” on OutQ, the nation’s only LGBT radio station. He also runs the longest running gay comedy show in NYC, Shock Therapy and has headlined 8 out of the last 12 Atlantis Events gay cruises and resorts.

When did you first get involved in comedy?

2003 is when I sort of “officially” started doing standup. But I’d been
performing onstage since elementary school and went to college for
Theater, so performing in general has always been in my blood. My
Kindergarden teacher wrote on my report card that with my “larger than
life personality” she had no doubt she’d seen my name “up in lights” some
day. Which I thought was a very sweet way of telling my parents their kid
was gay.

Who are your favorite comics and why?

I really love most comedians. It takes an incredible set of balls to get on a stage (with no costumes, scenery, script or supporting cast) and try to make a room full of strangers have the odd biological reaction of laughter. But if you want names of people who really blow me away and make me excited to be a comic myself… well, then, you should check out people like Jessica Kirson, Erin Foley, Adam Lehman & Naomi Ekperigin. They’re names that you might not recognise now, but I damn well guarantee you will within the next few years!

How would you describe your stand up?

I’m naughty, dirty, shocking but with a sort of loveable grin to it all.
Imagine if there had been a hot tub sex orgy in the Autumn of 1977 that
resulted in an illegitimate love child of Phyllis Diller & Paul Lynde, who
was then adopted by Carol Burnett… well that child would be me.

What made you want to compete in the Queer Comedy Contest at Zanie’s?
(In your case, headline)

I’ve worked with Adam Guerino before and always have a ball, so when he
began all this, we both knew we wanted to get me out to Chicago to do it
at some point. It just seemed to fit everyone’s schedule for now and I
couldn’t be happier. There really is nothing like this for up and coming gay
comics in either New York or LA, so I’m thrilled to see Zanies breaking
ground in this way. Plus it’s always good for me to see what the younger
kids are up to. I need to keep an eye out for any potential “Eve
Harrington’s”

Where can fans go to see more of your work?

They can catch me every Thursday night on TruTV’s “World’s Dumbest” (9PM,
check your local listings). Also we’re in our 4th year of the show… so
you’ll also catch it, drunk, at 3AM most nights! For my gay fans in
particular, I perform a great deal on Atlantis Gay Cruises & Resort
Events. I’ll be on their Baltic Sea Cruise in July. And for links to clips
of my works, silly videos, general tomfoolery, etc people can always go
check out www.bradloekle.com.

For more info on Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies, follow this link.

OutLoud Chicago presents Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies!

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Prepare yourself! On Tuesday May 22nd, Queer Comedy at Zanies must once again pay tribute to the elder gods with a horrific competition of wit and endurance! May the odds ever be in your favor!

OutLoud Chicago, TheQu.co and TheLStop.org present… Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies: Season 2! Hosted by Ever Mainard (TBS Just For Laughs) and headlined by Brad Loekle (TruTV’s “World’s Dumbest,” VH1, MTV, Oxygen, Logo, Here! TV, Sirius XM.)

Winners will be decided by audience vote as well as our special celebrity judges. Every audience member gets one vote. Each judge will rank the 6 contestants from 1st through 6th with a weighted vote. The first three places will be featured in the Queer Comedy @ Zanies: Pride Edition on Tuesday June 19th. And the first place winner will receive interviews from media sponsors OutLoud Chicago, TheQu.co and TheLStop.org.

Flying in from NYC is judge and headliner Brad Loekle, from OutLoud Chicago is The Sarcastic Squad’s Michelle Rene Thompson as Oprah, from The Qu.Co is Tony Soto and from TheLStop.org is Casey Larwood. Following the contest, Brad Loekle will feature a headlining set and preview of his extended set at Laugh Track at Sidetrack May 24th.

Presented by OutLoud Chicago, The L Stop and The Qu.co. OutLoud Chicago strives to bring queer entertain to mainstream Chicago. TheLStop.org is your one stop for everything lesbian in Chicago. The Qu.co is a multi-media website for queer artists to showcase their work to an audience of like minded people; where their sexuality informs the conversation instead of restricting it. Queer Comedy at Zanies promises to continue showing that no matter if the comedians or audience members are queer or straight, laughter knows no sexuality.

OutLoud Chicago, The L Stop and The Qu.co present Queer Comedy (Contest) at Zanies: Season 2. Tuesday May 22nd at 7:30pm at Zanies Comedy Club 1548 N Wells. Tickets are $10 in advance http://www.chicago.zanies.com/ or $15 at the door. Audience members must be ages 21 or over. Two item minimum. For questions, hi res images or a saved seat, email outloudchicago@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to “like” OutLoud Chicago for future shows.

Laugh Track at Sidetrack: IML Edition

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Laugh Track at Sidetrack is the side-splitting laugh out loud live comedy show in the heart of Boystown at the legendary bar Sidetrack. In honor of Sidetrack’s 30 year anniversary, the show returns with a very special Laugh Track favorite- Brad Loekle Thursday May 24th for a live show followed by comedy videos throughout the night.

Featuring headliner Brad Loekle (TruTV’s “World’s Dumbest,” VH1, MTV, Oxygen, Logo, Here! TV, Sirius XM) with opener Joel Kim Booster (Queer Comedy Contest at Zanies, 1st place winner) and hosted by Laugh Track host Bradley Thomas (Queer Comedy at Zanies, Night of 100 Drag Queens.) Room opens and comedy videos begin at 8pm and live show begins at 8:30.

Laugh Track at Sidetrack: IML edition. Thursday May 24th, Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted at 8pm, no cover, 21 and over.

The Sausage Fest

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OutLoud Chicago and TheQu.Co present a Queer Comedy at Zanies production: The Sausage Fest: All Men On Stage, All Welcome In Audience.

Hosted by Adam Guerino (The Sarcastic Squad) Featuring Dan Ronan (The Lincoln Lodge,) Bradley Thomas (Laugh Track at Sidetrack,) Joel Kim Booster (First place Queer Comedy at Zanies winner,) Brian Henning (Best Church of God,)and presenting Robby Bardwell and Tom Fell.

OutLoud Chicago strives to bring queer entertainment to the mainstream. TheQu.co is a multi-media website for queer artists to showcase their work to an audience of like minded people, where their sexuality informs the converastion instead of restricting it.

Tuesday April 17th, 7:30pm. Zanies Comedy Club 1548 N Wells. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

To keep up with updates on comedy, music and other shows that bring queer entertainment to the mainstream, “like” http://www.facebook.com/outloudchicago

Who Is She Hulk?

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Today I’m about to answer one of the most important questions you’ll ever ask. Right up there next to “What’s the meaning of life” and “Will I find love” is this timeless question–Who is She Hulk? Well, fear not, I happen to be best friends with She Hulk (nbd) and she gave me permission to fill you in.

Don’t be fooled by the muscles that she’s got, she’s still Jenny from the block. Let me explain: before she was ever She Hulk, Jen Walters was a timid, short and brainy lawyer. But she needed a blood transfusion once. Luckily her cousin Bruce Banner was in town and was able to do it. Little did she know, her cousin Bruce was actually The Incredible Hulk and she was given hulk-like powers. (Don’t you HATE when that happens?)

Unlike her cousin who turns into a muscle-y primal beast, her ability to transform into a big green machine made a decidedly different more attractive form. She essentially looks like a green super model and maintains her cool. Instead of hulk-like rages, she becomes more vivacious and flirty. The offensive gender commentary doesn’t escape me.

She Hulk sits on a bench advertisement of her as a lawyer Jen Walters.

Like any gal who gains super strength, she decides to pursue a life of fighting crime and takes the name She Hulk. Through her escapades as She Hulk, she joins The Avengers and The Fantastic Four and has several different series devoted to her written by some of the best creators in comic books. She is one of the only comic book characters that can break the fourth wall which means that she knows that you are reading about her. Also, her ability to turn from a timid shrinking violet and into a super strong super hero/model has been turned into the most interesting science fiction modernization of the feminine mystique. The question was often asked, “Why should I ever be Jen Walters when I can be She Hulk?” At one point, she actually makes a t-chart comparing herself to She Hulk.

I believe the best story-arcs came from Dan Slott. In his series, She Hulk was kicked out of Avenger’s mansion because she was bringing too many guys home and it was creating a security concern. Additionally, she was fired from her law firm (where she practiced law as She Hulk) because the argument was made that the jury was affected by hero worship. Down on her luck, she was offered a job at a new law firm to practice super hero law as Jen Walters but could never transform into She Hulk. All this was just in the first issue of his run. She also represented Spider Man in a case against Peter Parker, practiced time-law and got involved in a date-rape case where one of her former fellow Avengers was being tried for using his “Charisma” powers to get poon.

Where did the inspiration for such a ridiculous character come from? Well, when the comic book sages were trying to figure out new female comic book characters, they had a great idea, “Let’s just make female versions of our male characters!” Examples include Spider-Woman, Ms Marvel and a few others. Another consideration for the character’s creation was that if The Hulk live-action television show created a She Hulk character first then the comic books wouldn’t have the rights to it. So they made one, post-haste. Considering all that, I think She Hulk is a very happy accident.

Without question, She Hulk is one of the smartest, funniest and funnest comic characters out there. So why doesn’t she have twice the amount of movies as Spider Man or Superman? Girl can’t get no respect, that’s why. People enjoy her because of the camp-value. I mean, I love her and we hang out all the time but it’s hard to take a leggy green super heroine seriously. So, she won’t ever be the definition of action and heroism but she is undeniably fun. And luckily, she has attracted the attention of many clever writers who have fun writing her. Leading to some of the greatest stories in comic books.

My pitch to you, Hollywood (I know you’re listening,) She Hulk: The Movie. Jen Walters, a neurotic but love-able repressed, smart lawyer (Tina Fey) finds herself able to transform into a 6 foot tall, leggy green supermodel (Tyra Banks) and decides to leave law and fight crime as the super heroine She Hulk. Along the way, she makes some friends as She Hulk but mainly learns to appreciate the friends she had all along. The moral of the story? Confidence doesn’t come from the outside but through gamma infused blood. You may now pay me to write a draft. Super thanks, -Adam.

In short, run, don’t walk, to the nearest comic book store. I suggest your first purchase should be “Single, Green, Female” by Dan Slott. Just ask the nerd at the register, they’ll be happy to show you where to purchase a copy after they’ve finished rolling their eyes at you for not knowing about it already.

My Funny Town Premiere

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The time is upon us! Over the last few months I’ve been working on a huge new project called Gay Chicago TV. A great production company added me as one of the first hosts and producers for their line-up of shows for their new site. My show is My Funny Town and it features Chicago comedians through interviews and performance. In the first episode, queer stand-up comedienne guest Cameron Esposito talks about her one-woman show Side Mullet Nation, hecklers and David Cross. For the first episode, click here.

To see more from Cameron, check out Side Mullet Nation every Thursday at Comedy Bar at 157 W Ontario at 8:30pm until January 19th. In fact, I’ll be opening for her this Thursday December 15th. To buy tickets online, go to the Comedy Bar site. Enter 5 4 3 2 1 as the promo code for 10% off your tickets. For more My Funny Town, there is plenty on the way. Next episode, guests Seth Dodson and Kellen Alexander answer questions about how they met, started working together and featuring some of their live improv and short movies. If you have suggestions for future content, feel free to email adam.guerino@gmail.com.

Giving Thanks

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Guerino in holiday sweater

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for perspective. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to immerse myself in a world of community building, helping those in need. But as much as I believe I’ve learned more, I think I’ve lost sight of one my first goal: raising awareness. I’ve spent a lot of time and energy getting angry about misconceptions from the majority about the minority. Specifically, queer homeless youth. But in the last week, I’ve re-assessed my self-righteous “Think of the children!” position. I have had unique experiences that shaped my outlook and instead of doubting those that think differently, maybe I should relate my experiences in a way that others might understand better.

With legislation and popular culture growing more accepting of homosexuality, it’s hard to see the drawbacks. But it happens in the homes of queer youth. Straight parents who still fear homosexuality see this as something that claims their children and their reaction is as extreme as the progress we’ve made. The statistics for homeless queer youth are astounding. More than 1 in 4 queer youth that come out to their family are kicked out of their home. Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as queer. But statistics define the issue about as completely as any number defines you from age to weight to phone number.

This Thanksgiving, I’m going to start talking about my endeavors to raise awareness and funds for queer homeless youth. There are stories I haven’t shared. It wasn’t until this past Summer that I publicized that I was ever homeless myself. My experiences were terrifying but small in comparison to many of the youth I have met this past year who struggle with homelessness on a daily basis. I hope my personal stories can change this issue from numbers to a reality you wouldn’t think you could relate.

My very first story is the story of We Are Halsted.

Last Summer, I saw a community issue. The whole community was on alert. I was proud that they were worried and wanted to help but I didn’t think they were making informed opinions on what should be done. The issue, on the very surface, was crime in Chicago’s queer neighborhood, Lakeview. What bothered me though was where community concern was directed. There were a series of muggings and stabbings and terms like “south-side gangs” and “Take back” were used to disguise fear and racism.

Most of the blame was directed at the mass of young persons that roamed up and down Halsted who largely were African-American. There were congregations of them and they’d be seen laughing, shouting and vogue-ing all through the night. It was obvious to see that they were younger, poorer and non-whiter than the majority of Lakeview so I could understand how they were considered outsiders. But I had to laugh to myself a little when people tried to label them “gangs.” The term was used in an effort, conscious or otherwise, to have them forced out of the neighborhood. I mean, with the flailing of limp wrists and uncanny ability to turn a city street into a catwalk, these mary’s are most assuredly not a gang.

It took little investigation from police officers and city officials to confirm what I thought was obvious, these were gay teens and they didn’t live on the south side because they didn’t live anywhere. They were homeless. At least in the conventional sense that they had no bed or mailing address. But, because of their sexuality, they came to Lakeview. Hoping to not be judged by their sexuality. Hoping to call it home.

This is why the “take back” movement equally confused and infuriated me. It was a mostly anonymous league of angry people who facebooked and blogged about how violence has taken over Lakeview and the “gangs” need to be removed. I saw a distinct lack of awareness that Lakeview was still one of the safest neighborhoods in the city and that the targets of their community outrage came to their community for the same reason that they did. People don’t come to Lakeview just for the safety or the real estate. They come to belong. To possibly meet a love interest. To support businesses that support their lifestyles. To hold their lovers hand in public without attracting dirty looks. So who are we “taking back” the neighborhood from?

I started We Are Halsted, a series of variety shows benefiting homeless youth, as a vessel to raise funds and awareness about homeless youth. I didn’t want to fault those who didn’t understand that these aren’t criminals in their community–they are homeless members of the community.

I believe that when someone is kicked out of a family in the heterosexual community that they then belong to the homosexual community. We can’t all open our doors but can support the amazing community organizations that are fighting to help. The one I have chosen to help is The Night Ministry.

The Night Ministry has been helping the homeless with food, shelter, empowerment and job placement since the 1970s. In the last year, they opened up a homeless shelter in Lakeview called The Crib. I have tried to be an ambassador to the queer community about this shelter because it is the only one of its kind in the Midwest yet not a lot of people know about it. We should feel a singular pride to be the first to respond to this growing problem of queer youth homelessness. Because it is a huge problem. Straight families are kicking out their queer youth and the queer community is largely unaware of them. By supporting The Crib, you are becoming a part of the solution.

One of my goals is to have an opportunity to celebrate this progress. With my We Are Halsted events, you can see an amazing world-class variety show, drink and dance with friends, all while supporting The Night Ministry’s The Crib. The next event is a week from today, appropriate a week after Thanksgiving. Give thanks to everything you are thankful for this weekend and next Thursday, December 1st, help those that are a part of your community at Berlin nightclub starting at 10. You can buy tickets at www.wearehalsted.eventbrite.com and there are only a few more days of discount tickets so don’t hesitate to buy them.

And, even if you can’t make it or you can’t donate, be a part of the progress by looking at all members of our community with a new level of understanding. These queer homeless youth belong to us now. And they are screaming, shouting, laughing, cat-walking and vogue-ing their way up and down Lakeview in an effort to be heard by a community where they wish to belong.

Throughout the next week, I’ll share my experiences with being homeless. Not as an effort to gain sympathy for myself but to relate the kinds of obstacles that queer homeless youth face in Chicago. Thanks for reading and Thankgiving!

We Are Halsted logo/family crest by Claude Abbott